When it comes to water storage and transportation, tanker trucks and trailer-mounted water tanks are essential tools across many industries. One commonly asked question, especially by contractors, farmers, emergency responders, and facility managers, is: What size is a 2000-litre water tanker? Understanding the size, dimensions, capacity, and applications of a 2000-litre water tanker can help users select the right vehicle or tank for their needs. This article explores the physical size, dimensions, applications, design variations, and considerations when choosing or using a 2000-litre water tanker.
Understanding Tanker Capacity
The term “2000 litres” refers to the volume capacity of the tank — that is, the amount of water the tank can hold. In more familiar units:
- 2000 litres = 2 cubic metres (m³)
- 2000 litres ≈ 528.34 US gallons
- 2000 litres ≈ 439.94 imperial gallons
This is a relatively small to medium-sized water tank compared to industrial water tankers, which can carry from 5,000 litres to over 30,000 litres, depending on the truck chassis and trailer configuration.
Physical Dimensions of a 2000-Litre Water Tank
The actual physical dimensions of a 2000-litre water tanker vary depending on its shape (cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular), mounting position (horizontal or vertical), and manufacturer. However, some typical dimensions for standalone 2000-litre tanks (horizontal type) are:
- Length: Approximately 2.2 to 2.5 meters
- Width: Around 1.1 to 1.3 meters
- Height: Typically 1.1 to 1.4 meters
If the tank is mounted on a truck or trailer, the total vehicle size will depend on the chassis. Most 2000-litre water tankers are mounted on light-duty trucks, such as:
- Single-cab pickups (e.g., Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger)
- Small commercial trucks (e.g., Isuzu N-Series, Foton light trucks)
These vehicles generally have a wheelbase of 2.5 to 3.5 meters and an overall vehicle length of 4.5 to 6 meters.
Applications of 2000-Litre Water Tankers
Despite their modest capacity, 2000-litre water tankers serve a wide range of practical uses, especially in contexts where larger tankers are impractical or unnecessary. Common applications include:
1. Agricultural Use
- Watering small fields, greenhouses, and orchards
- Filling water troughs for livestock
- Supplying water for pesticide or fertilizer mixing
2. Construction Sites
- Dust suppression on small construction areas
- Concrete mixing support
- Site cleaning and flushing
3. Municipal and Emergency Services
- Portable water delivery to homes or businesses in emergencies
- Supplying water to firefighting units (especially for brush fires)
- Use by rural fire brigades where larger tankers cannot operate
4. Event and Recreational Use
- Water supply for outdoor events or festivals
- Camping and off-grid use for trailers and mobile setups
Tank Materials and Construction
2000-litre water tanks can be made from several materials, depending on the purpose of the tank:
- Polyethylene (Plastic): Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, affordable. Ideal for portable or trailer-mounted use.
- Stainless Steel: Durable, hygienic, and suitable for potable water. Often used in food-grade applications or where water purity matters.
- Mild Steel with Coatings: Cheaper than stainless steel, often used for non-potable applications like dust suppression or construction.
Tanks may be mounted horizontally or vertically, though horizontal tanks are more common for vehicles as they provide better stability and a lower center of gravity.
Vehicle Mounting Options
A 2000-litre tank can be mounted on various types of vehicles, depending on the intended use:
- Trailer-Mounted Tanks
- Suitable for agricultural or municipal use
- Can be towed by tractors, pickups, or utility vehicles
- Offers flexibility and easy detachment
- Pickup or Utility Truck Mounted
- Ideal for small contractors or emergency services
- May include pump and hose systems
- Offers greater mobility and faster deployment
- Custom Flatbed Truck Installation
- Allows the integration of additional equipment like pumps, spray bars, or hose reels
- Often used in municipal or firefighting operations
Additional Features
A water tanker isn’t just a tank on wheels — it often includes features that make it suitable for a specific use case. Common accessories on a 2000-litre water tanker include:
- Pumps and Power Units: Petrol or diesel pumps to dispense water at pressure
- Spray Bars and Nozzles: For uniform water distribution over surfaces
- Hose Reels: For manual watering or firefighting
- Baffles Inside the Tank: To reduce water movement and improve stability during transport
- Ladders and Catwalks: For maintenance access on larger installations
Licensing and Road Use Considerations
A fully loaded 2000-litre water tanker weighs approximately:
- 2,000 kg (water weight) + 200–300 kg (tank and frame) + vehicle weight
This makes the gross vehicle weight (GVW) likely to fall between 3,000 to 4,500 kg, depending on the chassis. In many countries:
- A standard driver’s license (Class B) is sufficient to operate a vehicle under 3,500 kg GVW.
- Heavier setups may require a light truck or commercial driver’s license.
Always check local regulations for weight limits and roadworthiness standards.
Benefits and Limitations
Benefits of a 2000-Litre Water Tanker:
- Compact and maneuverable
- Affordable purchase and operating costs
- Ideal for narrow roads, tight spaces, or rural areas
- Quick refill times compared to larger tankers
Limitations:
- Limited capacity for large-scale operations
- May require frequent refilling for continuous use
- Not suitable for heavy-duty or industrial-scale water transport
Conclusion
A 2000-litre water tanker strikes a useful balance between size and functionality. It’s small enough to be mounted on light-duty vehicles or trailers, yet large enough to carry meaningful volumes of water for agriculture, construction, emergency services, and recreational use. Its physical size — roughly 2.2 to 2.5 meters long and about 1.1 to 1.4 meters high — allows it to navigate tight spaces where larger tankers can’t operate.
When considering whether a 2000-litre water tanker is right for your needs, take into account the vehicle you intend to use, the purpose of the tank, and the frequency of use. Whether for dust suppression, watering crops, or delivering potable water, this mid-sized solution offers convenience, portability, and versatility.
